Sexuality &

Gender Pack
Aligned with the
CAPS Life Orientation Curriculum

Compiled by:
Tazme Pillay (South African History Online) & Elliot Naude
Genevieve Louw and Linda Chernis (GALA- Queer Archive)
Table of Contents
BASICS OF SEXUALITY & GENDER
Introduction 1
Glossary 1
What does "LGBTQIA+" stand for? 3

BIOLOGICAL SEX VS. GENDER

Understanding the difference 14
What is a pronoun? 15
Misgendering 16
Speaking in a non-binary way 17
Menstruation 17

QUESTIONING YOUR SEXUALITY &

GENDER IDENTITY
Gender Dysphoria 19
Support for questioning people 20
Coming out 21
The Closet 21

SEXUAL HEALTH FOR LGBTQIA+

STUDENTS
Basics of sexual health 22
Sex between people with penises 23
Sex between people with vaginas 23

DISCRIMINATION & VIOLENCE

AGAINST THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
Discrimination & violence 24
Myths & facts about LGBTQIA+ people 25
Myths & facts about sexual orientation 25
Myths & facts about trans people 26
The affects of discrimination on the LGBTQIA+ 27
Violence against LGBTQIA+ people 28

LGBTQIA+ ORGANISATIONS
Resources for LGBTQIA+ youth 32
Introduction & Glossary
This guide will break down the “LGBTQIA+” acronym, and provide information on each of the
sexual orientations and gender identities represented by each letter of the acronym. This guide
will also explore the topic of gender identity and what it means to be trans, how gender is
different to biological sex, and will provide sexual and mental health information for LGBTQIA+
students by covering important topics such as Coming Out. When it comes to sexuality and
gender, there is often a lot of terminology to learn and understand. It is important to get to
know what these different terms mean, and how they apply to a person’s identity. Sexuality and
gender are often discussed in accordance with a binary (see below), however they are far more
complex and fluid than that. In order to understand these complexities better, you should
familiarise yourself with the following terminology and how it is used when discussing one’s
sexuality or gender identity:

Ally: An individual who actively supports the social movements and rights of LGBTQIA+ and
other marginalised identities, but who does not identify as LGBTQIA+ or as a member of
said marginalised groups.

Binary: A system that divides something into two parts. In relation to gender and sexuality,
a binary system divides gender into two distinct categories; man and women. This excludes
non-binary, trans and gender non-conforming individuals.

Cis/Cisgender: A term used to describe someone whose gender identity matches the sex
and gender they were assigned at birth.

Discourse: The words and terminology used when discussing or communicating a

particular topic.

Femme: A term used in LGBTQIA+ culture to describe someone who often (but not always)
expresses their gender in a typically feminine way. This term should not be used to
describe someone unless they expressly identify as such.

Gender: Often expressed in terms of masculinity and femininity, gender is culturally

determined and is assumed from the sex assigned at birth. One’s gender is made up of
one’s gender identity (a person’s innate sense of their own gender) and gender expression
(how a person outwardly expresses their gender).

Homophobia: The fear or dislike of someone, based on prejudice or negative attitudes,

beliefs or views about LGBTQIA+ people.

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Heteronormativity: A socio-political system that, predicated on the gender binary, upholds
heterosexuality as the norm or default sexual orientation. Heteronormativity encompasses
a belief that people fall into distinct and “complementary” genders (men and women) and
assume roles in life based on their gender.

Intersectionality: the interconnected nature of ones race, class, ethnicity, age, ability,
sexuality, nationality and religion and how this can impact an individual or group of people
and can shape systems of discrimination or disadvantage. To be intersectional is to have
an awareness of how intersectionality affects different groups of people.

Masc: A term used in LGBTQIA+ culture to describe someone who often (but not always)
expresses their gender in a typically masculine way. This term should not be used to
describe someone unless they expressly identify as such.

Non-binary: An umbrella term for people whose gender identity doesn’t sit comfortably
with ‘man’ or ‘woman’ (also often referred to as genderqueer). Non-binary identities are
varied and can include people who identify with some aspects of binary identities, while
others reject them entirely.

Patriarchy: A social hierarchy that privileges and prioritises men over women and other
gender identities.

Transphobia: The fear or dislike of someone based on the fact that they are transgender,
including the denial/refusal to accept their gender identity.

Umbrella term: A word used to describe a broad category of things, rather than one
specific item.

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1. What Does "LGBTQIA+"
Stand For?

You may have seen the letters "LGBTQIA+" before when referring to the queer
community. "LGBTQIA+" is an acronym standing for lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, queer, intersex and asexual.

The first 3 letters “L-G-B” and last letter, “A” refer to sexual orientation.
Sexual orientation refers to a person’s physical, emotional and/or romantic
attraction. Everyone has a sexual orientation – some of us are attracted to the
opposite sex, but others are attracted to the same sex , to both sexes or are not
limited to attraction towards a binary representation of sex or gender. This is a
natural and normal part of who we are as people. Sexual orientation is not the
same thing as a person’s gender identity because it can also change over time, and
exists on a broad spectrum.

The letters, “T and Q”, refer to gender identities.

Gender identity is a person’s innate sense of their own gender. A person’s gender
identity may or may not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth and
relates to personal self-awareness and at times, societal influence. Gender Identity
is fluid and is not only limited to a binary, but rather includes a variety of identities
that exist on a masculine and feminine spectrum.

The letter “I” refers to sexual characteristics.

Sexual characteristics refer to biological sexual anatomy and also exist on a
spectrum and there are many variations that exist in the world that are not limited
to what is often defined by society as biologically male and female. The letter “I”
also refers to the term “Intersex” which describes a person that is born with varying
sexual characteristics.

This is not a complete list of all the possible sexual identities that exist
So the "+" is included at the end as a nod to the varying sexual orientations and
gender identities that exist around the world.
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Activity!
Write the Acronym in your own language:
Now that you know what it stands for, why don't you try writing the
"LGBTQIA+" acronym in your home language? Find a word in your
language that means the same for each of the English words in
the acronym, and re-write the acronym for yourself!

If you need some help, visit findnewwords.org. Find New Words

is a South African initiative which aims to create new, positive
African words to define the LGBTQIA+ acronym. Most of the words
that currently exist to identify members of sexual minorities on
the continent are derogatory or non-existent. Find New Words
hopes to create a more inclusive society and positive African
queer identity, starting with influencing our home languages.

L
Now that we have a basic understanding of the acronym
and a way to express it in our home language, let’s
investigate each letter further!

STANDS FOR...
ESBIAN
LESBIAN is the term used to refer to a sexual orientation where a
woman, trans person or non-binary person has a romantic and/or
sexual attraction towards women or non-binary femmes.

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G STANDS FOR...
AY
GAY is the term used to refer a sexual orientation where a man, trans
person or non-binary person tends to have a romantic and/or sexual
attraction towards men. (However, the term can be used more broadly

B
to describe a same-sex or queer orientation)

STANDS FOR...
ISEXUAL
BISEXUAL is an umbrella term used to describe a sexual orientation
where a person has a romantic and/or sexual attraction towards
more than one gender, usually two specific genders.

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QUEER HISTORY LESSON:
“If you are Black and gay in South Africa, then it really is all the same closet…inside is darkness
and oppression. Outside is freedom.”— Simon Tseko Nkoli

Simon Tseko Nkoli was a gay activist and anti-apartheid leader who fought for freedom and
social justice in South Africa during the anti-apartheid struggle. His courage to live openly as a
gay man coupled with his tireless work within the anti-apartheid movement help shift the anti-
gay opinions of many of those within the movement. His eventual arrest shifted both the anti-
apartheid struggle and the gay liberation movement. Through living his truth and owning his
identity, Nkoli facilitated a cross-over of the anti-apartheid and gay liberation movements,
demonstrating how these two struggles shared common ground in their fight for equality.

Nkoli was integral in founding a number of major gay rights movements and organisations in the
country including the Gay Asociation of South Africa (GASA) and most notably, the Gay and
Lesbian Organisation of the Witwatersrand (GLOW). His work within these organisations would
lay the foundations for South Africa to become the first country in the world to constitutionalize
the protection of the rights of LGBTQI+ people. Alongside Julia Nicol, Nkoli and GLOW were
instrumental in ensuring that the rights of LGBTQI+ people were included in South Africa’s new
constitution.

Through his activism, Nkoli led South Africa to become the

first country in the world to do this once the country had
achieved democracy. This monumental enshrinement of
LGBTQI+ rights meant that the adoption, work and family
rights were extended to the gay community and these
rights were protected under the supreme law. He became
the first openly gay activist in the country to meet with
Nelson Mandela. In 1990, together with GLOW member
Beverly (Bev) Ditsie, Nkoli organised the country’s first ever
Gay Pride march in Johannesburg. It was a monumental
day for the rights and we visibility of LGBTQI+ people in the
country. At the beginning of the march, Nkoli said the
following:"With this march, gays and lesbians are entering
the struggle for a democratic South Africa where
everybody has equal rights and everyone is protected by
the law: black and white; men and women, gay and
straight."

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BEVERLEY PALESA DITSIE’S STORY

Not only did Beverley Palesa Ditsie assist Simon Nkoli and GLOW with organising
South Africa’s very first Gay Pride march. She was also the first openly lesbian
woman to make a statement on the inclusion of lesbian rights in discussions
about the empowerment and upliftment of women at the Beijing Women’s
Conference in 1995 – a 1st for the UN. This is her story:
“My mouth felt dry.There I was standing up speaking to all those people.
Itwas September 1995, the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in
China and I was talking about lesbian issues. I was so proud, but very nervous
too, so far from home in Soweto. I was the first ‘out’ lesbian woman to speak
like this in such a public place. It was a very proud moment for me.
It is important to speak out about lesbian issues, but far from easy. I had
trouble before when I spoke out like this.
It was on television here in South Africa just before our first Gay Pride march,
and afterwards I got threats. Some men came to my house where I live with
my granny. They said they came to teach me a lesson by raping me. I felt
terrible. I had put my family in danger.
I was so terrified that I couldn’t leave the house for weeks. In my community
there is a deep respect for religion, tradition and culture, and we lesbians are
not accepted as part of that. Violence is a problem for many women in South
Africa, and coming out as a lesbian is hard because then there is always a
danger of more violence. We lesbians are made to feel dirty and guilty, but we
can’t lie and pretend to be like everyone else.
Fortunately my family stood by me and accepted me as a lesbian woman.
Other people have supported me too, like Simon Nkoli.
Together we started the multi-racial organisation GLOW. Our country was
writing a new Constitution and we wanted to make sure that gays and
lesbians were included. I worked alongside him to get gays and lesbians
legally recognised in the new South Africa. We did everything we could. We
ran workshops, organised more Pride marches, wrote articles and spoke out
in public – like the big conference in Beijing.
I will never forget all the people who I have worked with, and who have
supported me. And believe me, we lesbians still have a lot of work to do!”

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T STANDS FOR...
RANSGENDER
TRANSGENDER is the umbrella term used to describe a person whose
understanding or expression of their gender is different to their
physical sex. A transgender person may choose to dress, live and act
in a way that is different to what society expects of them. Some
transgender people may also choose to change parts of their body
through surgery or other medical treatments.

Sometimes a person’s inner sense of being male or female doesn’t

match their physical body. That is why it’s important not to confuse a
person’s sex (how they look on the outside) with a person’s gender
(how they feel on the inside). People who identify as trans reject the
gender and/or biological sex they were assigned at birth.

ASSIGNMENT: Sex is commonly assigned at birth based on external

biological sex organs and reproductive systems. A vulva-bearing child
is usually assigned female at birth (commonly shortened to AFAB) and
a penis-bearing child is usually assigned male at birth (commonly
shortened to AMAB). The terms AFAB and AMAB are commonly used
by transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary people to
demonstrate that the gender one was assigned at birth does not
necessarily match one’s own gender identity.

Each person’s journey is unique, and trans identity can be expressed

in many different ways.

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To TRANSITION refers to those steps a trans person may take to live in
the gender with which they identify. Each person’s transition involves
different processes.

For some people, it may be a case of telling friends and family,

dressing differently and changing one’s pronouns (social transition).
For others, it may be a case of changing their bodies through gender
affirming healthcare such as hormone therapy and surgeries (medical
transition) so that their biological sex matches their gender identity.
However, to be trans does not mean you have to change your
biological sex at all. Many people are comfortable in the bodies they
are born with, but would prefer to identify with a gender they were
not assigned to at birth. When a trans person takes the steps towards
affirming their gender, we usually say that they are “transitioning”.

Q
Transitioning also might involve things such as changing your official
documents (legal transition).

STANDS FOR...
UEER
QUEER is an umbrella term used by those who reject
heteronormativity. Although some people view the word as a slur, it
was reclaimed by the queer community who have embraced it as an
empowering and subversive identity. Subversive means something
which challenges the norm and pushes boundaries. Queer identity is
rooted in deconstructing the heteronormative social structures that
society is based on.

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QUEER HISTORY LESSON:
KEWPIE, DAUGHTER OF DISTRICT 6
Kewpie was a hairdresser and iconic queer figure from District Six. A gender fluid individual who
identified by female pronouns, Kewpie was a seminal nightlife figure who organized balls and
celebrations uniting the LGBTQIA+ community with the larger community of District Six. Her life is
one which excavates a hidden archive of local queer lives and culture. Born from the enforced
conditions of pre-Democracy South Africa, Kewpie is a seminal chapter in South Africa’s mostly
untold queer (her)story. Kewpie established herself as a cultural icon for the people of District
Six. She was respected by the community despite her consistent challenge to the norm.
Preceding the forced removals of 1968, Kewpie refused to leave her home and the community
which she had been integral in fostering. The eventual disintegration of District 6 left Kewpie
deeply depressed. She continued to serve her community into her older years, even after being
diagnosed with throat cancer. In 2018, her story and the mostly unknown queer (her)story of
District Six was given a national stage when the exhibition, “Kewpie: Daughter of District Six”
made a collection of over 700 photographs of Kewpie’s life in District Six available to the public.

Photo Courtesy of GALA archives and Distirc 6 Musueum

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I STANDS FOR...
NTERSEX
NTERSEX is the term used to describe a person who may have
biological attributes that do not fit with societal assumptions about
what constitutes ‘male’ or ‘female’. These biological variations may
manifest in different ways and at different stages throughout an
individual’s life. Being intersex relates to biological sex characteristics

A
and is distinct from a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

STANDS FOR...
SEXUAL
ASEXUAL is an umbrella term used to describe the sexual orientation
of people with a variation of romantic and/or sexual attraction,
including a lack of attraction. The term can also be used to describe
people who are emotionally, psychologically and intellectually
attracted to people rather than physically, or where one’s attraction is
not limited to physical sexual expression.

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QUEER HISTORY LESSON:
SALLY GROSS
Sally Gross is one of the most challenging and important figures in our country’s history. Born
intersex and raised as a boy named Selwyn, the struggles and discrimination faced by Gross as
an intersex individual instigated a lifetime of activism and an essential inquiry into the
treatment of the intersex community in South Africa. Gross was increasingly politically active
and became a member of the ANC. Feeling increasingly alienated from her Orthodox Jewish
faith, she was baptized into the Roman Catholic Church in 1976. In the same year, the Soweto
Riots took place. In response, Gross wrote a draft programme which included an armed
struggle clause as well as a clause on co-operation with the then banned ANC. After a copy of
this draft went missing, Gross left South Africa as a political refugee. What followed was a time
of immense self-discovery, which led Gross to begin her life as Sally.

Following Gross’s choice to identify as

female, she faced a number of problems on
the grounds of her gender identity.
Following her acknowledgment of her
intersex identity, Gross was stripped of her
clerical status by the Church and was
completely shut out of the community.
Home Affairs was unable to issue her with
suitable identity documents, a refusal which
rendered her practically nonexistent in
accordance to the law. Following her
experiences, Gross became a vocal
advocate and activist for intersex rights,
advocating that the protocol of performing
“corrective” surgery upon the birth of an
intersex child be eradicated. In 2010, Gross
founded the organization “Intersex South
Africa” (ISSA), which she directed up until
her death in 2014.

Photo Courtesy of GALA archives

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+ STANDS FOR...

The “+” sign of the acronym is there to nod towards and recognise the multiple other
sexualities and gender identities. Some of the sexualities and gender identities which the “+”
refers to include:

PANSEXUAL: A term which refers to a person whose romantic and/or sexual attraction
towards others is not limited by sex or gender

AGENDER: Is a term which refers to a person who does not identify themselves as having a
particular gender

QUESTIONING: This refers to a person who is interrogating their sexual orientation or gender
identity. We will investigate what it means to be “questioning” further into this guide!

Activity!
Did you know that there are almost 64 different gender identities
and 29 different sexualities in total? In a group of 3 with your
classmates, get together and do some research to explore some
of these diverse identities. Let each person find 3 different gender
identities and 3 different sexualities that have not been covered
by this guide. List them and their definitions in the space below:

LIST OF DIFFERENT SEXUALITES & GENDER IDENTITIES:

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2. Biological Sex vs. Gender:
Understanding the
Difference
Sex and gender are often linked to each other or thought to be one and the same.
However, this is not true! One’s biological sex does not determine one’s gender
identity. We have come to understand what the word “binary” means, and linking
gender to biological sex enforces a binary understanding of gender when in fact,
gender is a far more fluid spectrum!

Your biological sex refers to the reproductive organs you have been born with. A
male biological sex is determined by the penis and testes and the female biological
sex is determined by the the ovaries, uterus and vagina. However, just because a
person has been born with a particular set of biological organs (male or female), it
does not mean that they identify with the gender typically associated with those
organs.

Society has been set up from a patriarchal point of view; this enforces the
heteronormative idea that gender is linked to one’s biological sex. This way of
thinking dictates that gender should be understood as either male or female with
nothing in between.

There are a number of assumptions about how

men and women ‘should’ behave. These are known
.as gender roles. These assumptions are cultural
and not natural. They change over time and are not
the same in all societies. It is important to
remember that gender itself is a construct; many of
the things we understand as signifiers of male or
female gender identity only do so because society
has made it that way. Gender is socially
constructed and is assumed based on the
assignment of one’s sex at birth.

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People who do not identify themselves according to the gender binary do not
always identify as trans, and may prefer to be described as one of the following:

GENDERFLUID: A person whose gender is not fixed, and can shift over time and
across the masculine and feminine signifiers.

GENDERQUEER: A person who does not subscribe to conventional gender

distinctions but identifies with neither, both, or a combination of male and female
genders.

GENDER NON-CONFORMING: A person who does not conform to the binary

gender categories that society prescribes (man and woman) through their gender
identity/expression.

Your GENDER EXPRESSION refers to the way that you express your gender identity
through clothing, behaviours, social activities and so on.

2.1 WHAT IS A PRONOUN?

Pronouns are the words which we use
to refer to people’s gender in
conversation, such as “he” or “she”. The
pronouns “He/him/his” and
.
“She/her/hers” are considered
GENDERED as they refer specifically to a
male or female.

Non-binary and gender non-confirming

people will often prefer that gender
neutral pronouns, such as
“They/Them/Thiers” or “Zie/Zim/Zir”,
be used when referring to themselves.

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2.2 WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ‘MISGENDER’ SOMEONE?
To misgender someone is when you use a word/pronoun or a form of address that does not
correctly reflect the gender with which that individual identifies. Being misgendered can often be
a very painful or traumatic experience for trans people. When someone’s gender is assumed
according to what we think it is based on their bodies or appearance, it often rejects that
person’s identity and makes them feel invalidated. Understanding how to talk about one’s
gender and making a habit of not assuming things based on how our own brains tell us to
understand someone is an important step towards creating a culture where people feel safe to
express their non-binary gender. One way to do this is to learn to ask someone which pronouns
they prefer to be addressed with.

WAYS IN WHICH WE MISGENDER

We assume to know someone’s gender

Call individuals by a name or pronoun with which they do not identify
Approach a group as if they are one sex

WHAT TO DO WHEN WE MISGENDER

Apologize and correct yourself

Centre their feelings, and try understand why they may be upset
Learn their preferred pronoun, and remember it the next time you meet

STRATEGIES TO AVOID MISGENDERING

Allow individuals to introduce themselves and with their correct pronouns

Create an inclusive environment where discussion is constructive
Introduce new pronouns

We are always learning, and by listening to each other and understanding how
individuals prefer to identify themselves, we can learn how to address people
with the correct pronouns.

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2.3 SPEAKING ABOUT GENDER IN A NON-BINARY WAY:

Now that we understand how gender identity can be a broad spectrum and that it is different
for each person, we can begin changing the discourse on biological sex and things that are
gendered according to biological sex. Because of how society has constructed gender according
to a binary determined by biological sex, we often speak about people’s gender and use
pronouns in accordance to their biological sex. However, this is not the case! People who identify
as women, non-binary femme and gender non-conforming can have male biological sex organs,
and people who identify as men, non-binary and non-conforming can have female biological
sex organs.

Shifting the way that we speak about gender away from having it be linked to biological sex is
important. It is a simple act that begins the process of deconstructing the gender binary, and in
doing so affords visibility and respect to the bodies and identities of those people who identify
as trans, gender non-conforming and non-binary and anything outside the binary
understanding of gender.

2.4 MENSTRUATION FOR PEOPLE WHO DO NOT IDENTIFY

AS WOMEN

For people who identify outside of their assigned gender, mainstream society sees menstruation
as an automatic sign that one is a female and the absence of a period, a sign that you are male.
This can make individuals along the gender spectrum feel uncomfortable and erased. Spreading
awareness that menstruation does not equate to womanhood and femininity needs to become
the norm. Not all women menstruate and menstruation doesn’t make you a woman. For those
who identify as trans, hormone treatments don’t always stop, change, or induce someone’s
menstruation cycle and some trans people prefer not to use hormones. This is why it is
important to start talking about issues such as menstruation from a gender-neutral point of
view. Rather than saying “women who menstruate”, we should consider saying “people who
menstruate”, because not all people who experience menstruation identify as women.

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ARTISTS CHALLENGING GENDER IN THE MEDIA & POP
CULTURE:

With the discourse around gender shifting, trans, gender non-conforming and non-binary
queers are more vocal than ever about the need to be visible and represented in pop culture
and the public eye. While this is slowly beginning to happen, with popular TV shows like
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” (VH1) and “POSE” (FOX), there is still a long way to go before we can see
these identities fully and respectfully represented in the media and popular culture. Three South
African artists who are fighting for this cause through their work are Manila Von Teez, Angel-Ho
and Lee Mokobe.

MANILA VON TEEZ: Manila is one of South Africa’s most well known and beloved
drag queens. She rose to fame in 2016 after competing on the TV show South
Africa’s Got Talent. On the show, Manila competed in drag. This was a
groundbreaking moment, with Manila becoming one of the country’s first drag
queens of colour to perform to the masses on public television. Today, Manila is a
highly successful drag performer and appears regularly on television.

ANGEL-HO: Angel-Ho is a performance artist and pop musician from Cape Town,
South Africa. Identifying as transgender, they have seen success around the world
for their bold sound and fashion choices. Angel’s art is rooted in their identity as a
trans person of colour, and looks to interpret this experience through music. They
have released two successful albums, and have embarked on an acclaimed
European tour. Angel has been called “The Future of Pop Music”, and continues to
redefine the idea of what a popstar is and should be.

LEE MOKOBE: Lee Mokobe is an award-winning transqueer slam poet. They are the
co-founder of Vocal Revolutionaries, an NGO focused on empowering young
African creatives through digital artforms. They are an outspoken LGBTQ activist
whose work specifically references their experience as a black transgender
immigrant in South Africa and America. They were included in the compilation
Loud and Proud (LGBTQ speeches that inspired the world), alongside Barack
Obama and Harvey Milk.

These artists are but a few African pioneers who are shifting the public opinion on
gender and sexuality towards one which recognises and supports trans, non-
conforming and non-binary gender identities.
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Activity! In a group of 2, do some research about the following artists and
advocates from around the world whose work helps enforce positive
representations of diverse gender and sexual identities. They are ALOK
MENON, INDYA MOORE and TRAVIS ALABANZA.Find out:

Who are they and how do they identify themselves?

What do they do and what have they said about LGBTQIA+ identity?
What have you learnt from researching them and their work?

3. Questioning Your
Sexuality
Questioning your sexuality and gender identity is a normal experience for many people. As we
have learnt, gender identity and sexuality can be a diverse and complex thing to navigate.

3.1 GENDER DYSPHORIA

Gender dysphoria is the feeling of discomfort or dissociation that happens to people whose
gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth or sex-specific physical
characteristics. Feeling gender dysphoria is not a prerequisite to being transgender or gender-
nonconforming. Many individuals along the spectrum are not affected by dysphoria and feel at
ease in their bodies with or without medical intervention. During the process of investigating
their gender in relation to their physical bodies, some people may explore:

Breast-binding: Strapping one breasts flat against your chest using a binder, to create
the illusion of a flat chest.

Tucking: This is when people with penises fold and secure the penis away from the front
of the body, to create the illusion of having a vagina.

Packing: This is when people with vaginas fill their underwear with objects such as socks
or stuffed condoms to create the illusion of having a penis.

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3.2 SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE QUESTIONING
If you know someone who is going through this process, or if you yourself are going through this,
remember that you are not alone! You are experiencing a natural part of life and self-
development and there is nothing shameful about this process.

Questioning your gender and/or sexual identity can lead to valuable self-discovery and help
you grow as a person. Finding people who can support you and who you can lean on during this
confusing time is valuable. LGBTQIA+ people have always flourished through community and
looking out for each other. Creating and finding a space for the exploration of your sexuality and
gender identity is important, and this often starts with people. Sometimes, a person’s home or
family space is not conducive to their exploration. This can be due to some of the religious,
cultural and social stigmas we previously addressed. In this case, finding spaces and
communities where a person is able to express themselves freely becomes important. Some of
the places people who are questioning their identity might investigate include:

Online forums & communities: The internet can be a useful and accessible place to get the
information you are looking for. A simple Google search can provide access to tutorials and
guides on various things such as how to safely breast-bind, tuck and how to create a packer.
Online communities such as trevorspace.org and 7cups.com are safe places which connect
LGBTQIA+ youth from around the world and where people questioning their identity may be able
to find friends who are or have gone through a similar experience. Of course, the internet can be
just as dangerous as it can be useful. Forum spaces such Reddit and online dating sites targeting
queer youth are not advised, as they are open to anyone and can put you and your privacy at
risk!

People who are living “out of the closet”: A simple way

to talk to someone and maybe ask the questions you’re
burning to ask is to reach out to someone who you know
identifies as LGBTQIA+. Even if this person may have a
different sexual orientation of gender identity to your
own, they have been through the process of questioning
and coming out and can help support and guide you
through it.

Contacting local NGOs & support groups: Finding your

local LGBTQIA+ organization can be useful, and they may
put you in touch with support groups or clubs which you
can join to meet other people like you. A list of
organizations is provided at the end of this guide.

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3.3 COMING OUT
Coming out is the process by which an LGBTQIA+ person accepts that his or her sexual
orientation or gender identity does not conform to the norm, but that it is part of his or her
overall identity and a ‘fit’ for him or her. So, coming out is about identity while having sex for the
first time is about practice – this may happen at very different times. Coming out also usually
involves confronting the general acceptance that ‘everyone is heterosexual’ and the ongoing
experience of sharing one’s LGBTQIA+ identity with other people.

3.4 THE CLOSET

The ‘closet’ people talk about coming out of is a metaphor for that shadowy place where things
remain hidden in danger of discovery. Coming out does away with that fear. Coming out carries
the risk of rejection by parents, family and friends. Yet, the process of self-acceptance can be
powerful and liberating. At its best, coming out leads to a feeling of pride because one is part of
creating a new norm– one which includes, and is comfortable with, diversity.

When someone reacts negatively to a person coming out, they are making a statement about
themselves rather than about that person – they have not accepted the richness of diversity and
they do not understand that the elasticity of the norm is exciting and filled with potential.
Worldwide, statistics suggest that most young queer people become aware of their sexuality at
about the age of 12. However, it may take years before they come out to anyone else. The
process of coming out is different for everyone, just as the process of getting comfortable with
one’s sexuality is different for everyone. In South Africa factors such as race and class are often
involved, which lead to the development of stigma, which we will discuss later in this guide.

Page 21
4. Sexual Health for
LGBTQIA+ Students
Sex is a natural and healthy human experience, but is often a taboo subject which people find
difficult to talk about. This can make sex seem pretty confusing! This is especially true for
LGBTQIA+ people, where there are few resources and information readily available regarding
sexual health. However, learning to be open about talking about sex in a safe and non-
discriminatory way can help make things much clearer. Detaching the stigma attached to talking
about sex, especially sex between non-heterosexual people, is a necessary step to promote the
establishment of a healthy and safe relationship with sex. The following section provides a short
overview and introduction to talking about sex, and what exploring non-heteronormative sex
might be like. When talking about sex, it is important to highlight a few points which help create a
safe space for the conversation to be had. The following points apply to all people of all genders
and sexualities:

YOUR BODY IS YOURS, AND YOURS ONLY: You are in charge of your own body. You should take
ownership of it, and communicate what you are and are not comfortable with exploring. It is
more than okay to say “NO” if you do not want to do something; sex is a mutual experience and
your feelings are just as valid as your partner’s. You should never feel pressured into doing
something you do not want to do. If you are in a situation where you feel pressured, stop the
engagement immediately and suggest exploring something else.

YOU SHOULD NOT FEEL SHAME ABOUT YOUR SEXUALITY: You should not be ashamed of
wanting to explore certain things sexually, and you should never be made to feel shame about it
either. Shaming someone on their sexual preferences is a form of bullying, and should never be
tolerated! Each person’s sexuality is unique and unless you are harming others or putting them
in danger, your preferences are valid and you have the right to communicate and explore them.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS PRACTICE SAFE & RESPONSIBLE SEX: Safe sex refers to emotionally safe
sex & physically safe sex. Emotionally safe sex is sex that is CONSENSUAL. When we refer to
“CONSENT”, we mean that all people engaging with the sexual activity are informed of what is
going to happen, and agree to be involved without being pressured into doing something. Sex
should always be a consensual agreement between people. Physically safe sex is sex which
makes use of the necessary contraceptive tools to protect your partner and yourself from STDs
and unwanted pregnancy. These tools include the use of condoms and contraceptive devices
and/or medication.

Now that we have a basic understanding of how to talk about and engage in sex in a way that
safe and healthy, let’s explore what non-heteronormative sex for people might be like.

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4.1 SEX BETWEEN PEOPLE WITH PENISES
Sex between people with penises usually involves oral sex and anal sex. When practicing anal
sex, one partner will usually take the role of penetrating (topping) and the other receiving
(bottoming), and these roles can be reversed. It is vital to make sure that your partner is
comfortable and ready to engage in the activity. Anal is often an uncomfortable experience at
first, so going slowly and constantly checking in with your partner is necessary. Safety is
paramount, so be sure to always make use of a condom! This prevents the potential spread of
STDs between you and your partner. Preparing for anal sex may involve douching, which is the
process of rinsing one’s rectum with fresh water with a douching device such as an enema.
When douching, avoid using harsh chemicals or soaps, as they may irritate the rectum. It is
safest to use clean, fresh lukewarm water. Lubrication is a must when engaging with anal sex.
Use of a water-based lubricant is advised, as these are non-abrasive on condoms. Stay away
from oil based lubricants as these have the potential to break condoms during sex.

4.2 SEX BETWEEN PEOPLE WITH VAGINAS

There are multiple ways for two people with vaginas to have sex. These include oral sex,
penetration using fingers or various sex toys/aids, and vagina to vagina contact. It’s important to
understand your own body before engaging in sex. The clitoris (found at the top opening of your
vagina) is the main organ for sexual pleasure. Through masturbation, you can figure out the best
techniques for your own body and if you enjoy penetration or not. Safety and communication is
imperative when having sex. There are condoms specifically made for people with vaginas and
finger cots that slip over your finger for the act of penetration. If you do not have access to these,
condoms made for a penis can be used by cutting them open and placing them over the vagina
for oral sex, or one’s finger or sex aid for penetrative sex. Everyone’s body works differently and
so throughout sex, it’s important to be mindful and listen to your partner’s preferences. Although
vaginas produce a natural lubricant, don’t feel ashamed to also use a water-based lubricant.

Remember that all sexual exploration is normal and healthy, as long as it is done in a
consensual and safe way. Make sure your partner is comfortable before proceeding with
anything, and ensure that you are making use of the correct protection and contraception.

. Page 23
5. Discrimination & Violence
Against the LGBTQIA+
Community
Since the beginning of our democracy in 1994, South Africa has actually had one of the most
progressive constitutions in the world. It is considered one of the best in the world because of its
Equality Clause. It was the first in the world to explicitly recognise and protect individuals on the
basis of their gender identity and sexual orientation. The Equality Clause, in Chapter 9 (3) states
that:

“The state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more
grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour,
sexual orientation, age, disability, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth”.

Despite this, the LGBTQIA+ community here in South Africa (and globally) has historically faced
many challenges when it comes to visibility and acceptance, and continue to face these
challenges today. Most of these challenges are the product of stigma and discrimination based
on social, cultural and religious beliefs. These beliefs often regard non-heteronormative
behaviour and identities as unnatural or perverse, and the affects of perpetuating this thinking
makes living as an “out” member of the LGBTQIA+ community potentially dangerous. Many
LGBTQIA+ people live in fear and shame, and will never come out because of this. Discrimination
against LGBTQIA+ people is commonly called ‘’Homophobia” and the discriminatory behaviour is
described as “homophobic”. Discrimination against trans people specifically is referred to as
“Transphobia”. It is important for us to recognise the myths that are often spread about the
LGBTQIA+ community, and to make a stand against continuing to spread them. GALA has
provided a comprehensive list of some of the most common myths surrounding the LGBTQIA+
community, and has debunked them with facts in an aim to to stop this cycle of discrimination.

Activity! Read through the sections of myths & facts about the LGBTQIA+
. community below. In each section, highlight the myths you have heard
before. You can make notes on where you may have heard these. Tally
up the number of myths you have heard before; the final number may
be surprising and can illustrate how the cycle of discrimination! Now, go
back and highlight the FACTS that debunk these myths in a different
colour. Make sure to familiarise yourself with them, so the next time you
hear these myths being spread you can debunk them with facts.

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5.1 MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT GENDER AND SEXUAL DIVERSE PEOPLE AND
ISSUES

MYTH: Gender and sexual diverse people are sick and can therefore be fixed and cured.
FACT: Gender and sexual diverse people are neither sick nor damaged and so there is nothing to
be fixed. Diverse identities are natural and normal.

MYTH: Gender and sexual diverse teachers can cause students to become gender and sexual
diverse.
FACT: People cannot cause others to become gender and sexual diverse in general. What these
teachers can do though, is create a safe space in schools where gender and sexual diverse
students can acknowledge their sexuality and gender identity.

MYTH: Gender and sexual diverse people can be identified by certain mannerisms or physical
characteristics.
FACT: People who identify as gender and sexual diverse come in as many different shapes,
colours and sizes as do people who are heterosexual. Media stereotypes have led to that myth.
It is impossible to ‘spot’ gender and sexual diverse people based on this stereotype.

5.2 MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT SEXUAL ORIENTATION, HOMOSEXUALITY,

LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL PEOPLE

MYTH: Homosexuality is contagious: Hanging out with lesbian or gay people will make you the
same as ‘them’.
FACT: A person’s sexual orientation is not a disease or illness, and it cannot be spread or caught.
This myth is often used in schools, when the teaching on SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender
Identity) is suggested for the curriculum. Parents are often scared that their children will
‘become homosexual’ due to learning about this. This belief has no foundation.

MYTH: Being lesbian, gay or bisexual is ‘just a phase’

FACT: A person’s sexual orientation is a natural part of who they are and so is not something
they will grow out of.

MYTH: A lesbian woman will be ‘corrected’ if she is forced to have intercourse with a man; a gay
man will be ‘corrected’ if he is forced to have intercourse with a woman.
FACT: Being forced to have sex with someone is rape and is a crime - It will not change a
person’s sexual orientation.

MYTH: Bisexual people are just confused.

FACT: Many people are attracted to both men and women all their lives and do not feel any
more confused over their sexual orientation than anyone else.
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5.3 MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT GENDER IDENTITY, TRANSGENDER AND
GENDER NON-CONFORMING PEOPLE

MYTH: Transgender people are confused.

FACT: Just because a person is different, it does not mean they do not know who they are. This
can be confusing to those who inhabit more traditional gender roles, but to the transgender
person, it is not confusing.

MYTH: Letting transgender people use the bathroom matching their gender identity is
dangerous.
FACT: Transgender people generally prefer using the bathroom that matches their gender
identity, not the one that corresponds with the gender they were assigned at birth. Critics argue
that this could expose others to sexual voyeurism and assault in bathrooms - even though there
is no evidence at all to support this claim.

MYTH: Transgender people are not “real” men or women.

FACT: This myth is hateful and extremely hurtful. There are various ways of being a woman, being
a man or neither, and all should be respected with dignity.

MYTH: Intersex people should be surgically corrected

FACT: This is one of the most damaging myths that exists. In fact, it is a very common reality in
the medical world. Intersex children are often subject to non-consensual surgeries to
“normalise” their sexual characteristics. This can have very harmful consequences for one’s body
and relationship with their own identities.

5.4 MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT RELIGION, CULTURE AND SEXUAL AND
GENDER DIVERSE PEOPLE

MYTH: Homosexuality is Un-Christian, evil or a form of possession.

FACT: Incorrect. Many religious leaders promote love for all people. There are also many
churches that welcome and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender
identity.

MYTH: Sexual and gender diverse people are Un-African.

FACT: Sexual and gender diverse people exist in all cultures. There is rich history of sexual and
gender diversity in a number of African traditions. In many of these traditions, sexual and gender
diverse people are celebrated and respected.

Page 26
MYTH: Sexual and gender diverse people are sinful.
FACT: Sexual and gender diverse people are as likely or unlikely to be sinful as are heterosexual
people. Many sexual and gender diverse people have abandoned Orthodox religion because
they are excluded and discriminated against. Many religious congregations are starting to
welcome sexual and gender diverse people.

MYTH: My culture does not have sexual and gender diverse people
FACT: Records of same-sex relationships have been found in nearly every culture throughout
history with varying degrees of acceptance.

MYTH: A sexual and gender diverse person cannot be religious

FACT: A sexual and gender diverse person, just like any other person, has the right to follow
whichever religion and faith they believe in. There is a growing spirituality movement among
sexual and gender diverse communities, just as there is in the general population, with people
exploring diverse ways to express their spirituality within or outside of formal religious
institutions.

5.5 THE AFFECTS OF DISCRIMINATION ON LGBTQIA+

PEOPLE: MENTAL HEALTH & BULLYING
Now that we have an understanding of the kind of discrimination the LGBTQIA+ community
faces, we can discuss how this affects their lives. For many, facing constant hatred is a difficult
thing to navigate and can lead to or exacerbate existing mental health issues such as
depression. Things can be particularly difficult for young people coming to terms with their
sexual orientation and/or gender identity, especially when they are bullied or attacked at school.
Most school bullying is the result of the myths about the LGBTQIA+ community being reinforced
and misunderstood and it is vital to address this behaviour and stop the spread of hate as soon
as you see it happening. We should take the time to try and understand what a friend or peer
dealing with their sexuality and/or gender identity might be experiencing. It is important to listen
to what they have to say, and offer them support in the form of love and encouragement! On the
following page are a few stories and experiences from LGBTQIA+ learners, reading through them
can give you a better understanding of what some of your peers may be going through:

Page 27
“I want to have a relationship with my family but they won’t give me an opportunity.
Sometimes I feel sad and lonely, like I’m not loved”- Thabo, 17.

“One teacher said if she gave birth to a “stabane” she would kill it. She tried to chase me from
the class. I try to ignore all this because I have to finish school and support my family. There’s
no one at school I can talk to” – Tanesha, 13.

"That’s where the problem started in school, because I was not that person to go to the toilet
because I knew there’d be a problem. In the boys ‘toilet they would say: “What are you doing
here? Don’t you see that you’re a woman? Go to the girls’ toilet. So I was that person who
didn’t use the toilet because even if I wanted to, I didn’t know which toilet to use… I waited
until I got home”- Pretty, 23.

“There was little engagement with any kind of identity politics in the school curriculum and in
things like Life Orientation where we have Sex Ed regardless of all the issues that they
covered, like sex and contraceptives and so forth, just in terms of the understanding there of
anything beyond heterosexual, cisgender sex and even within that framework, it was about
not having babies and getting AIDS and there was no discussion around pleasure… I got the
sense that the whole education system is scared to engage with queer issues.”- David, 22.

“The uniform is not there to learn, you are there to learn. They should allow you to decide
what you’re going to wear in terms of the school uniform.” - Rowland, 17.

Activity!
After reading the case studies above, get into a group of 3 with some of
your classmates and think through the following questions: • How did
these experiences make them feel?
• From the students’ experiences, does it feel like they feel included in
their schools?
• What is it like to hear in person the experiences of gender and sexually
diverse youth?
• What made these people uncomfortable?
• From the quotes above, what do you understand as the main
challenges faced by gender and sexual diverse people?

Have. a discussion around the issues that arise.

Page 28
5.6 VIOLENCE AGAINST THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
Being forced to hide one’s identity is very difficult, but sometimes it’s necessary to stay alive.
One of the most horrific forms of discrimination experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community in
South Africa is violence. Countless members of the community have been assaulted or killed
as a result of their sexual orientation and/or gender identities. A pressing issue in South
Africa for LGBTQIA+ people is that of correctional violence & rape. These are hate crimes in
which one or more people are raped because of their perceived sexual orientation or gender
identity in an attempt to “cure” them. The intended consequence of such acts is to enforce
heterosexuality and gender conformity. The following members of the LGBTQIA+ have lost
their lives due to correctional violence and rape:

EUDY SIMELANE: Eudy Simelane was born on 11 March 1977 in KwaThema, Springs, Transvaal
(Gauteng). An active LGBTQI+ activist, she was one of the first women to live as openly lesbian
in KwaThema. Simelane was a successful soccer player and received national recognition for
her talent on the field. She played as a midfielder for her local Springs Home Sweepers team,
as well as for the South African women's national soccer team (Banyana Banyana) and used
her status as a local soccer celebrity to further her LGBTQI+ activism. Helping to foster a
LGBTQI+ friendly culture in her community, Simelane’s bravery to live freely as a lesbian
within her community established her as an inspiring and important LGBTQI+ icon. On April
28, 2008, Simelane was attacked while leaving a local KwaThema pub. She was robbed of her
personal belongings including her soccer trainers. Her attackers gang-raped and stabbed her
25 times. Dying from her wounds, her naked body was then dumped in a ditch just outside
KwaThema. Following her death, it became clear that Simelane’s status as an openly gay
woman may have had an influence on her attack. Currently, Simelane’s legacy as an athletic
& LGBTQIA+ icon continues under the custodianship of the Gay and Lesbian Archives (GALA).
GALA’s Eudy Simelane Collection consists of a number of Simelane’s soccer items, including
one box containing Simelane’s soccer boots, five medals and one whistle. The Simelane
family donated the collection to GALA.

Page 29
KIRVAN FORTUIN: Kirvan Fortuin was a choreographer, dancer and LGBTQIA+ activist. Born on
10 August 1991 in Macassar, Fortuin found their love for dance in 2002 after. In 2010, they
started studying classical, contemporary and African dance styles at the University of Cape
Town and graduated in 2012 with a dance teacher’s diploma. They would go on to achieve
their BMus (Hons) in choreography from UCT and and a Bachelor of Dance from Codarts
University for the Arts in Rotterdam. Following their studies, Fortuin quickly found success in
the dance world as a choreographer for a number of institutions including The Artscape
Theatre and the Cape Town Ballet. Fortuin’s passion lay with the LGBTQIA+ community and
creating spaces for LGBTQIA+ artists to be visible and express themselves. They were the
founder of The House of le Cap, one of Africa’s pioneering vogue events. Vogue is a form of
dance and performance created by LGBTQIA+ people of colour and has become an
important dance style for many artists who have established groups of performers known as
“houses”. On June 13 2020, Fortuin was stabbed in his hometown of Macassar. The stabbing
was a hate crime, and took place after Fortuin was taunted about their sexuality and gender
expression by the person who stabbed them. The stabbing proved fatal, and Fortuin died
soon after.

Kirvan Fortuin © Artscape

NARE MPHELA: Nare Mphela was a transgender activist and transwomen from Ga-Matlala in
Limpopo who made LGBTQIA+ history in South Africa after landmark victory in a case at the
Equality Court in 2017. Mphela’s story began in 2014 during her time in high school, where her
principal would instruct her friends to deliberately misgender her and sexually assault her in
an attempt to affirm her gender. Her principal would also employ corporal punishment
methods when disciplining Mphela, something which has actually been illegal in South Africa
since 1997. Mphela was directed to her local LGBTIQA+ advocacy organisation, Limpopo LGBTI
Proudly Out when she spoke up about the abuse she was facing. She also approached the
South African Human Rights Commission, who directed her to the Equality Court. Shockingly,
the Limpopo branch of the Equality Court had never actually dealt with a discrimination case
such as Mphele’s before.
Page 30
It was when LGBTI Proudly Out made contact with a Johannesburg based media advocacy
organisation, Iranti-org, that Mphele’s case really took off. Together, Proudly Out and Iranti
investigated Mphele’s principal and found him guilty of the discrimination he was being
accused of. In a landmark victory, The Limpopo Department of Education was ordered to pay
R60,000 to Mphela in damages for her psychological expenses and to complete her
education. Mpehele’s principal was found guilty of breaching the Equality Act, and was
ordered to attend mandatory gender sensitivity workshops. The progressive outcome of
Mphele’s case was a ray of hope for many LGBTQIA+ people who had previously been failed
by the state. Mphele was found dead inside her home in Parkmore, Sekgakgapeng Village,
outside Mokopane on January 9th. She had been stabbed multiple times and her home had
been set on fire. In their statement, the police said “we believe this might be a hate crime. We
can’t rule out that possibility. We believe she might have been targeted because of her stand
on LGBTI+ rights.” To date, no arrests have been made for her murder.

Nare Mphela (https://mg.co.za/article/2017-03-21-victory-for-queer-kids-in-

limpopo-equality-court-ruling)

These are but a few in an ocean of similar stories, but by remembering them
and talking about what happened to them, we can take the steps towards
ensuring the same won’t happen to the people around us. If you have
witnessed any form of violence, harassment and/or assault against LGBTQIA+
people or if you are experiencing any form of violent discrimination yourself,
do not be afraid to speak up about it!

Page 31
6. Organisations for
LGBTQIA+ Youth
Talking to someone you can trust about the problem can potentially put an end to the abuse
and save a life. If you do not feel like you may have anyone to talk to about the abuse you are
facing or if you are questioning your gender and sexuaity and need someone to talk to, do
not hesitate to reach out to one of the organisations below immediately:

Asexual Visibility & Education Network: AVEN is a website which provides a lot of
iinformation for the asexual community and their allies. Including FAQs, links to other
resources and a robust forum section, AVEN provides a network of support for young people
to have conversations on identity and sexuality where they can make connections with
others who are like them. https://www.asexuality.org/

Commission for Gender Equality: In terms of its legislative mandate, the Commission on
Gender Equality may receive gender related complaints from the public. Where the complaint
does not fall within the mandate of the CGE, they will endeavour to refer you to another
organisation that may be able to provide assistance. Tel: 011 403 718. www.cge.org.za

Durban Lesbian & Gay Community & Health Centre: The Durban Lesbian & Gay Community
& Health Centre offers safe and secure spaces for the LGBT communities of Durban and
KwaZulu-Natal. The Centre houses an extensive resource centre on lesbian, gay, social,
political, health, youth, sexuality, disability, and many other community issues; and a
collection of gay, lesbian, HIV/AIDS and related support. Tel: 031 301 2145/9 Fax: 031 301 2147
[email protected] www.gaycentre.org.za

Forum for the Empowerment of Women (FEW): The Forum for the Empowerment of Women
(FEW) is a national, non- profit organisation based in Johannesburg. It aims to articulate,
advance, protect and promote the rights of black lesbian, bisexual and transgender women
(LBT). Tel: 011 333 0345/0458 Fax: 011 333 0328 [email protected] www.few.org.za

Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA): Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA), is a
unique source for those interested in the study, promotion and preservation of the history
and contemporary experiences of LGBTI people in Africa through its many programmes
including the community library and archival material. Tel: 011 717 4239 Fax: 011 717 1783
[email protected] www.gala.co.za

Page 32
Gender DynamiX: Gender DynamiX is a human rights organisation promoting freedom of
expression of gender identity, focusing on transgender and transsexual issues. It provides
resources, information and support to trans folks, their partners, family employers and the
public. Tel: 021 633 5287 Fax: 086 602 9538

Health4Men: Health4Men is a centre of expertise in gay men’s sexual health, developing

innovative HIV and STI prevention campaigns and undertaking free training of healthcare
workers to render appropriate and competent medical services to gay and bisexual mean
across the country. Tel: 021 421 612 [email protected] www.health4men.co.za

The Inner Circle: The Inner Circle (TIC) was formed with the aim of assisting sexually diverse
individuals to reconcile their sexuality with their faith and to minimise the trauma
experienced by those who view it a human right to be able to practice both their sexuality
and faith. The Inner Circle caters for not only the Queer Muslim community but also all faith-
based Queer communities who identify with the struggle to reconcile faith with sexuality. Tel:
021 761 0037/4434 Fax: 021 761 3862 [email protected] www.theinnercircle.org.za

Intersex South Africa (ISSA): ISSA is an organisation established to spread knowledge about
intersex, to provide the space for the development of an intersex voice in Southern Africa,
and to combat discrimination on grounds of intersex. Tel: 021 447 3803. [email protected]
[email protected]

Kaleidoscope youth Network: Kaleidoscope Youth Network comprises 17 student-run

solidarity societies for LGBTIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Asexual)
students in institutions of higher learning across South Africa. Interested parties are
encouraged to make contact with LGBTI societies in universities closer to them who are
members of Kaleidoscope. [email protected]

The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project: Founded by Simon Nkoli, the Lesbian and Gay Equality
Project (LGEP) combines its strategy and methodology to engage with activism, solidarity and
alliance building, education and training; social and political participation; research and
publications, and media and communications. They will assist with litigation & advocacy. Tel:
011 487 3810/1 Fax: 011 487 2332 [email protected] www.equality.org.za

OUT LGBT Well-being: OUT promotes sexual and mental health, and human rights. Its
services include helpline, clinic, support groups, HIV prevention programmes and training.
Pretoria OUT Office: Tel: 012 430 3272 Daily helpline: 0860 OUT OUT (0860 688 688), 09h00 to
22h00 Fax: 012 342 2700 [email protected] Online counseling is provided by writing to
Trish ([email protected]) www.out.org.za
North West OUT office: Contact: Mildred Maropefela Cell: 073 157 1791
[email protected] Hendrik Baird Cell: 083 698 7998 [email protected]
Page 33
South African Human Rights Commission: The Human Rights Commission is the national
institution established to support constitutional democracy. It is committed to promote
respect for, observance of and protection of human rights for everyone without fear or favour.
Tel: 011 877 3750 Fax 011 403 0668 [email protected] www.sahrc.org.za

Triangle Project: Triangle Project, promotes the human rights of LGBTI, their programmes
include community empowerment projects, health and support services, research, advocacy
and policy development, and public campaigns and education. Tel: 021 448 3812. Tel: 021 712
6699 (Gay & Lesbian Helpline between 1pm to 9pm daily) Fax: 021 448 4089
[email protected] www.triangle.org.za

Page 34
References
Botha, Kellyn. Victory for transgender learner in Limpopo a long time coming?, Daily
Maverick. 24 March 2017. Available: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-03-24-
victory-for-transgender-learner-in-limpopo-a-long-time-coming/

Dee, Christa. Lee Mokobe- slam poet, TED Fellow and LGBTQ activist, Bubblegum Club. 2017.
Available: https://bubblegumclub.co.za/art-and-culture/lee-mokobe-slam-poet-ted-fellow-
and-transgender-activist/

Drew, Marion. A Different Fight for Freedom. 2008. Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action: Cape
Town. 22.

Gender Dynamix. Gender Identity & Gender Expression in South Africa: School’s Manual.
2008.

Maphanga, Canny. Transgender activist Are Mphela found murdered, boyfriend questioned,
news24. 09 January 2020. Available:
https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/transgender-activist-nare-mphela-
found-murdered-boyfriend-questioned-20200109

Nell, Marian & Shapiro, Janet. Out of the Box: Queer Youth in South Africa Today. 2011. The
Atlantic Philanthropies. 33-35.

Glossary, Myths & Facts and graphics provided by Gay and Lesbian Memory in Action (GALA)

Biographies for Kewpie, Sally Gross and Eudy Simelane provided by South African History
Online (SAHO)

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